ServSafe Manager Overview
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Why ServSafe?
Legal Compliance
Washington state requires a Certified Food Protection Manager, and the ServSafe Manager certification meets this requirement.
Industry Recognition
Industry professionals recognize ServSafe Manager as a mark of excellence. It sets your business apart in a competitive job market.
Customer Confidence
Customers appreciate establishments that prioritize food safety. Display your certification proudly to build trust.
Course & exam options
In-person class
This is a six hour class & proctored exam that includes a review with our trainer. The book is mailed to students for study and a practice test is available upon request.
Private group classes
With at least 10 employees to train, employers can hold a private class at their location. You supply the room and pick the dates. We’ll supply the trainer and materials.
Blended
Students are given a code to study online then attend the two-hour proctored exam through our class schedule. This skips the review and students only attend the exam.
Online
Students are given a code to study at their own pace and take the proctored exam online.
Proctored Exams
We offer exam proctoring services for those who have completed the online ServSafe Manager Course and can provide proof of completion. To schedule a proctored exam, click here. Once submitted, we’ll register you for an exam. We also provide on-site exam proctoring services for large groups anywhere in Washington. If you’re interested in scheduling a session for your team, contact us.
Did you know? Attendees who participate in our in-person review session before their proctored exam have a 90% pass rate. In contrast, those who skip the review and take the exam independently see their pass rate drop by 50%.
Need accommodations? We can arrange interpreters or other language accommodations for employees. Advance arrangements are required, as specific requirements apply. Visit our FAQ for details.
Pricing
In-person classes
$199 for non-members- Six hours
- Material review
- Proctored exam
- Practice test
- 8th edition book
- Translator accommodations
- Disability accommodations
Blended
$199 for non-members- Two hours
- Proctored exam
- Practice test
- Online study
- Translator accommodations
- Disability accommodations
- No material review
- No 8th edition book
Private groups
10 person minimum- Member: $170 per person
- Non-member price: $199
- Six hours
- Material review
- Proctored exam
- Practice test
- 8th edition book
- Translator accommodations
- Disability accommodations
- Trainers offered statewide
Online
Internet/tech requirements- Self-paced study
- Online proctored exam
- Available statewide in WA
- Limited language support
- No disability accommodations
- No material review
- No 8th edition book
Schedule for in-person and blended classes
Kittitas Chamber of Commerce
Coming soon…
Lomardi’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
1620 W Marine View Dr, Everett, WA 98201
Map
Register Here!
Please note:
- Classes are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.
- This is a bilingual class (English & Spanish)
- Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. Class reschedules with less than 2 weeks notice will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.
- Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
| Class Date | Registration Deadline |
| May 12 | April 28 |
| May 27 | May 12 |
| June 9 | May 26 |
| July 14 | June 30 |
Harbor Foodservice
18430 E Valley Hwy, Kent, WA 98032 98201
Map
Register Here!
Please note:
- Classes are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.
- Lunch will be provided
- Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. Class reschedules with less than 2 weeks notice will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.
- Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
| Class Date | Registration Deadline |
| May 19 | May 5 |
| June 23 | June 9 |
| September 22 | September 8 |
Harbor Foodservice
3901 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516
Map
Register Here!
Please note:
- Classes are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.
- Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. Class reschedules with less than 2 weeks notice will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.
- Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
| Class Date | Registration Deadline |
| May 5 | April 21 |
| June 30 | June 16 |
| September 29 | September 15 |
Bargreen Ellingson
3627 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Map
Register Here!
Please note:
- Classes are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.
- Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. Class reschedules with less than 2 weeks notice will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.
- Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
| Class Date | Registration Deadline |
| May 2 | April 18 |
| May 23 | May 9 |
| June 6 | May 23 |
| July 11 | June 27 |
URM Convenience
7511 N Freya St, Spokane, WA 99217
Map
Register Here!
Please note:
- Classes are from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.
- Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. Class reschedules with less than 2 weeks notice will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.
- Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
| Class Date | Registration Deadline |
| May 9 | April 25 |
| May 30 | May 16 |
| June 13 | June 2 |
| June 27 | June 9 |
Bargreen Ellingson
6626 Tacoma Mall Blvd B, Tacoma, WA 98409
Map
Register Here!
Please note:
- Classes are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.
- Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. Class reschedules with less than 2 weeks notice will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.
- Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
| Class Date | Registration Deadline |
| May 12 | April 28 |
| June 2 | May 19 |
| June 9 | May 24 |
| July 14 | June 30 |
WSU Vancouver Campus
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave, Vancouver, WA 98686
Map
Register Here!
Please note:
- Classes are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.
- Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. Class reschedules with less than 2 weeks notice will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.
- Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
| Class Date | Registration Deadline |
| May 12 | April 28 |
| May 19 | May 5 |
| July 14 | June 30 |
| September 8 | August 25 |
How our classes & exams work
Class registration closes two weeks before the class date to ensure each attendee has enough study time. Students are mailed a ServSafe Manager book (in-person) or online course code (blended), confirmation, scantron, location details and optional practice exam.
ServSafe Manager classes and proctored exams take place in one day. During an in-person class, the student receives about four hours of review of advanced food safety materials. Review is followed by the ServSafe Manager and Certified Food Protection Manager exam, proctored by the class instructor. Attendees are allowed two hours to complete the exam.
The exam has 90 multiple choice questions in a scantron format. Results are emailed directly to the attendee from ServSafe within 7-10 business days. A passing score is 70%. Upon passing the exam, attendees will receive a ServSafe Manager and Certified Food Protection Manager certification. For more information on retakes, click here. Certifications are good for five years.
Do you have 10 or more employees to certify? Click here to find out more about our private classes. You pick the dates and we’ll come to you–our trainers can go anywhere in Washington state.
10+ employees to train?
Click here for more information about our private classes which may be a better fit if you have lots of employees to certify.
Frequently asked questions
CERTIFICATION BASICS
Why should I get CFPM certified?
ServSafe provides advanced food safety training to meet industry standards and Washington State Food Code requirements. The certification ensures that foodservice professionals understand best practices for foodborne illness prevention, HACCP principles, and regulatory compliance.
Are there any prerequisites?
No, anyone can take the class and attempt the exam.
How long is the certification valid?
5 years. After that, you must retake the class and exam to renew your certification.
Does HACCP certification fulfill CFPM requirements?
No. HACCP certification is separate from CFPM certification. You must obtain an ANSI-CFPM accredited certification, such as ServSafe, to meet the requirement.
Do I still need a WA State Food Worker Card?
Yes. The WA State Food Worker Card is a separate requirement that all food workers must have.
Can CFPM certification extend my Food Worker Card?
Yes! The CFPM certification is an additional food safety training. When you renew your food worker card, you may extend it five years if:
✅ Your training took place within the last two years
✅ The training lasted more than four hours
COURSE & EXAM OPTIONS
What are my training options?
✔ In-Person & Blended Classes: A one-day session with a 4-hour review with the instructor, followed by a proctored, 90-question exam (2-hour limit, 70% passing score).
✔ Private Group Classes: Available for groups of 10+ at your facility. Requires a classroom setting and must be scheduled six weeks in advance.
✔ Online Course & Proctored Exam: A self-paced course with an online proctored exam via ProctorU. After purchasing, you’ll receive an email with your ServSafe Manager Exam Access Code and instructions for scheduling your online proctored exam. This option is non-refundable—ensure your system meets technical requirements before purchasing.
Why take the in-person course instead of online?
Both lead to the same certification, but in-person offers:
✔ Live instruction & Q&A
✔ Experienced industry trainers
✔ Interactive learning with peers
✔ Translation & disability accommodations
✔ Practice exam available upon request
What is the class and exam like?
✔ Duration: 6 hours total (4-hour review + 2-hour exam)
✔ Exam: 90 multiple-choice questions, 70% passing score
✔ Instructor Exam: Only available in English
✔ Languages Available: Multiple languages and large-print exams are available. The Instructor Exam is only available in English.
What happens if I fail?
✔ You may retake the exam twice within 30 days.
✔ If a third attempt is required, you must wait at least 60 days from your last attempt.
✔ There are no more than four attempts allowed in a 12-month period.
✔ Retakes cost $70 for members and $80 for non-members.
CLASS LOGISTICS & POLICIES
What languages are available?
The ServSafe exam is available in multiple languages. Refer to the language availability table above for details. If needed, an interpreter can be arranged with prior notice.
Do I get a discount if I already have the book?
No, the course price includes training materials. Even if you have a book, the package is bundled.
Can I use a 7th edition book?
Yes, but we currently use the 8th edition. The majority of content remains the same, and instructors will highlight key updates during the class.
How and when will I receive my certification?
ServSafe will email your exam scores and certification within 7-10 business days.
Your certification is available anytime on your ServSafe account: ServSafe.com.
Can I reschedule my class?
Yes!
✔ Free rescheduling if done two or more weeks in advance.
✔ $50 fee for rescheduling within two weeks of the scheduled class.
✔ click here to reschedule.
ONLINE COURSE & EXAM SUPPORT
How long are my course and exam codes valid?
✔ Your course and exam codes are valid for one year after purchase.
✔ Once you enter your course code on the ServSafe website, you have 90 days to complete the exam.
What if I didn’t receive my course or exam code?
Check your spam/junk folder. If you still haven’t received it within 24 business hours, contact ServSafe Support:
📞 312.585.8275 | https://www.servsafe.com/Contact-Us
Having trouble with accessing your exam, retrieving a score, or have a misspelled name on a certifcate?
ServSafe Support can assist with:
✔ Course/exam access issues
✔ Lost access codes
✔ Username/password recovery
✔ Name corrections on certificates
Contact ServSafe Support: 📞 312.585.8275 | https://www.servsafe.com/Contact-Us
TRAINER & INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
What’s the difference between a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and a Person in Charge (PIC)?
The CFPM is a certified position demonstrating advanced food safety knowledge, while a PIC is a designated employee responsible for food safety in a facility. Watch our webinar replay on this topic here.
How can I become a ServSafe Trainer?
To become a trainer, you must:
✔ Pass the ServSafe Manager Instructor Certification.
✔ Get approved by the National Restaurant Association (approval takes ~30 days).
✔ Have hospitality industry experience and a passion for teaching.
✔ Receive compensation for conducting training.
Contact us to get started. You will hear from our Training Solutions Manager within 48 business hours.
Contact
Shelby Pemberton
Training Solutions Manager